Wild Squirrels as Pets

Mr. Wellington / David Rabe; illustrations by Robert Andrew Parker
A frightened young gray squirrel falls from his tree one night. Passing by on his bicycle Jonathan gathers him up, takes him home, and names him Mr. Wellington. However, Jonathan and his older brother find it difficult to take care of Mr. Wellington, who becomes sicker and sicker. Finally they take him to a local wildlife rehabber who nurses him back to health and releases him. The narrative alternates between Mr. Wellington and Jonathan’s points of view.

“It may … be tempting to bring home a small animal you find outside, especially if it seems to be in danger. … Well meaning people may try to provide a good home for a squirrel or wood mouse or other wild animal but may not know the right things to do to keep it alive and healthy. And some wild animals simply can’t be tamed. They do not have the right kind of temperament to live contentedly in captivity. That cute little animal that you found might also hurt you. If it is frightened, it may bite you, and some animals may be carrying diseases…”